State Department of Labor marks Hispanic Heritage Month with workforce development collaboration

Submitted

State Department of Labor
Commissioner Peter M. Rivera has announced a new initiative partnering with
representatives from seven Latin-American countries to help lower the
unemployment rate and boost workforce development initiatives among Latino
communities in New York state.

There
are nearly 3.6 million Latinos living in New York - 2.4 million in New York
City alone. The unemployment rate among Latinos is 11.8 percent, compared to
the state average of 7.6 percent. With this in mind, the Department of Labor
has partnered with the consulates from Colombia, Mexico, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Ecuador, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. The partnership will
look to streamline education and certification programs, as well as provide
better access to services that will connect workers to jobs available now and
better prepare them for tomorrow's opportunities. This will ultimately address
some of the basic labor and employment needs among Latinos in New York.

"It
was very clear in our initial meeting that this type of relationship between
the state and other countries is greatly needed," Rivera said. "So much is
already being done, but much of it is happening in individual communities. Our
efforts will bring these communities together and help streamline and improve
the programs and services to fully prepare the workforce of today and tomorrow."

The
initial roundtable, held on Sept. 9, focused on current offerings for
constituents, collaborations with businesses and schools, and identifying
challenges. Efforts will first focus on New York City and then expand
statewide.

Jorge
Lopez Amaya, consul general of Ecuador and coordinator of the Coalition of
Latin-American Consulates in New York, said, "We welcome the Department of
Labor's initiative in looking for better ways meet the needs of our
communities, including our immigrants, and look forward to working with
representatives from so many countries with diverse perspectives."

Sandra
Fuentes, consul general of Mexico in New York, said, "Mexico is proud of its
partnership with the New York State Department of Labor. Immigrant workers
contribute greatly to the day-to-day economic prosperity of the state of New
York, and this project represents an important opportunity to provide them with
the tools and training needed in order to advance their integration into the
labor force of the state of New York."

Felix
Antonio Martinez, consul general of the Dominican Republic, said, "This initiative
could greatly benefit our community. Through this certification, our immigrants
will be able to obtain better jobs and receive the necessary tools to better
perform the duties in their fields."